Bridge Peru

Discover the Treasure! Learn Spanish in a place that is refreshing and distinct, and discover the fascinating culture of Peru, including its spectacular natural beauty, historic architecture, and friendly people. This program features intense language immersion and cultural exchange, and offers motivated students the opportunity to observe and discuss complex issues related to global economics, international relations, and the effects of tourism on local peoples and the environment. Our 2009 itinerary will be filled with countless teachable moments that speak to these fundamental goals of Windsor Mountain Student Travel. Bridge Peru students will:

• Study Spanish at the reputable Machu Picchu Spanish School in the historic city of Cusco
• Participate in community service projects with the Indigenous and Mestizo cultures of Peru.
• Enjoy a home stay with a Peruvian family
• Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World
• Explore the  “living Inca town” of Ollantaytambo
• Sea kayak on the awe-inspiring Lake Titicaca
• See the 12 foot wingspan of an Andean condor as it glides effortlessly through Colca Canyon

Who Should Participate?

This program is designed for students interested in traveling to an exciting destination to share in cross-cultural experiences, community service learning, and language opportunities. Students should join this program ready to immerse themselves in Peruvian culture as they connect with Spanish-speaking peers on travel excursions and community service projects. Students should arrive with an open mind, prepared to meet new people, experience new cultures, and try new foods! Due to the high elevations included in this itinerary, students with serious cardiac or respiratory limitations are strongly urged to consider a different Bridge program.

2009 Proposed Itinerary:

click here to view 2009 Proposed Calendar

Day 1: Arrival. Travel from JFK to Lima with your new group.

Days 2 - 4:  Orientation in the Sacred Valley. Explore Ollantaytambo, “the living Inca town”, learn about your group, prepare for intercultural immersion, visit ruins and get acclimated.

Days 5 - 16: Spanish, Service and Discovery in Cusco. Stay with host families, study Spanish at the Machu Picchu Spanish School, visit ruins and museums, learn Peruvian dance and cooking, teach English and explore Cusco.

Days 17 – 18: Hike The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Experience an unforgettable journey filled with the mystery, beauty, and magic of the ancient Incan Empire.

Days 19 – 22: Sea Kayaking and Quechua Culture at Lake Titicaca. Stay in rustic cabins in the village of Llachón, your outpost for hikes. Paddle across Lake Titicaca to the Uros, or floating islands

Days 23 – 24: Colca Canyon. Hike among timeless adobe villages, scan the sky for Andean condors, and soak in hot springs in one of the world’s deepest canyons.

Days 25 – 29: Relax and Reflect in Arequipa. Practice your Spanish, enjoy Arequipa’s renowned cuisine and bask in all that you have learned and discovered.

Day 30: Departure. Fly back to JFK with your group and say “adios”.

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2009 details for this program are subject to change as new developments and opportunities arise. If you would like more information or have specific questions please contact Angus Whyte, Summer Travel Program Director, directly by email  or phone at   603-478-3166.